Las Vegas is known for its non-stop entertainment, casinos, nightlife, and luxury resorts, but did you know it’s also a perfect base for exploring the Southwest?
Just a short drive from the city, you’ll find breathtaking national parks, scenic landscapes, historic sites, and unique attractions that make for epic day trips.
Whether you want to marvel at the Grand Canyon, hike through Zion National Park, explore a ghost town, or even search for UFOs at Area 51, there’s an adventure waiting for you.
In this guide, we’ll cover the 11 best day trips from Las Vegas, including:
✅ Distance & travel time from Vegas
✅ Best activities & highlights
✅ Ticket prices & tour options
✅ Opening hours & best times to visit
✅ Google & Apple Maps links for easy navigation
✅ Insider tips to make the most of your trip
So, if you’re ready to take a break from the bright lights of Vegas and discover some of the most stunning places in the Southwest, let’s dive in! 🚗✨
Table of Contents
- Escape the Strip: Best Day Trips from Las Vegas
- Why Take a Day Trip from Las Vegas?
- Best Day Trips from Las Vegas
- 1. Grand Canyon West Rim
- 2. Zion National Park
- 3. Seven Magic Mountains
- 4. Red Rock Canyon
- 5. Hoover Dam
- 6. Valley of Fire
- 7. Mojave National Preserve
- 8. Death Valley National Park
- 9. Goodsprings Ghost Town
- 10. Spring Mountain Ranch State Park
- 11. Area 51 & Extraterrestrial Highway
- Final Thoughts on Day Trips from Vegas
Why Take a Day Trip from Las Vegas?
Las Vegas is exciting, but after days of casinos, neon lights, and crowds, a day trip offers a refreshing escape.
Top Reasons to Go
✅ Scenic Nature – Explore Grand Canyon, Zion, and Death Valley just a short drive away.
✅ Unique Attractions – Visit Seven Magic Mountains, Area 51, or Goodsprings Ghost Town.
✅ Quick Getaways – Many spots are within 30 minutes to 2 hours from the Strip.
✅ Outdoor Adventures – Enjoy hiking, scenic drives, helicopter tours, and more.
🚗 No car? No problem! Many locations offer guided tours with transportation.
Now, let’s dive into the 11 best day trips from Vegas!
1. Grand Canyon West Rim
Why Visit?
The Grand Canyon is one of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the world. The West Rim, just 2 hours from Vegas, offers incredible views, thrilling attractions, and easy access for a day trip.
Top Things to Do
✅ Skywalk Experience – Walk on a glass bridge 4,000 feet above the canyon!
✅ Helicopter Tour – Fly over the canyon & even land at the bottom.
✅ Ziplining – Soar over the canyon for an adrenaline rush.
✅ Eagle Point & Guano Point – Best spots for panoramic views.
Essential Details
📍 Distance from Vegas: 125 miles (~2-hour drive)
⏰ Opening Hours: 8 AM – 6 PM daily
🎟️ Tickets: From $49 per person (Check Prices)
🚁 Helicopter Tour: From $450+ (Book Here)
📍 Google Maps: Grand Canyon West Rim
📍 Apple Maps: Grand Canyon West Rim
Pro Tips
✔️ Go early to avoid crowds & heat.
✔️ Bring water – desert temperatures can be extreme.
✔️ Want a guided trip? Book a bus tour with hotel pickup.
2. Zion National Park
Why Visit?
Zion National Park is Utah’s most stunning park, just 2.5 hours from Las Vegas. With its towering cliffs, scenic hikes, and epic landscapes, it’s a must-visit for nature lovers.
Top Things to Do
✅ Angels Landing – A thrilling hike with jaw-dropping views (permit required).
✅ The Narrows – Hike through a river between towering canyon walls.
✅ Canyon Overlook Trail – Easy hike with stunning views.
✅ Scenic Drive – Explore the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive via shuttle or car.
Essential Details
📍 Distance from Vegas: 160 miles (~2.5-hour drive)
⏰ Opening Hours: 24/7 (Visitor Center: 8 AM – 5 PM)
🎟️ Entry Fee: $35 per vehicle (Check NPS Website)
🚶 Angels Landing Permit: $6 per person (Apply Here)
📍 Google Maps: Zion National Park
📍 Apple Maps: Zion National Park
Pro Tips
✔️ Go early – parking fills up fast.
✔️ Wear good hiking shoes – trails can be rocky.
✔️ Shuttle required – private cars aren’t allowed in Zion Canyon (March–Nov).
3. Seven Magic Mountains
Why Visit?
A vibrant and surreal art installation in the middle of the desert, Seven Magic Mountains features seven towering stacks of neon-colored boulders, making it a perfect Instagram spot and a quick escape from Vegas.
Top Things to Do
✅ Take Stunning Photos – The bright colors contrast beautifully with the desert.
✅ Visit at Sunset – The golden light makes the colors even more striking.
✅ Combine with Other Stops – It’s close to Red Rock Canyon & Mojave Preserve.
Essential Details
📍 Distance from Vegas: 10 miles (~30-minute drive)
⏰ Opening Hours: Open 24/7 (best at sunrise or sunset)
🎟️ Entry Fee: Free
📍 Google Maps: Seven Magic Mountains
📍 Apple Maps: Seven Magic Mountains
Pro Tips
✔️ No shade – Bring a hat, sunscreen & water.
✔️ Limited parking – Avoid peak hours (midday).
✔️ Best for a quick stop – 30-45 mins is enough to explore.
4. Red Rock Canyon
Why Visit?
Just 30 minutes from Vegas, Red Rock Canyon is a must-see for outdoor lovers, offering dramatic red rock formations, scenic drives, and hiking trails—a perfect quick escape from the city.
Top Things to Do
✅ Scenic Drive – A 13-mile loop with epic viewpoints.
✅ Hiking Trails – Popular hikes: Calico Tanks, Ice Box Canyon, and Turtlehead Peak.
✅ Rock Climbing & Biking – A hotspot for climbers & cyclists.
Essential Details
📍 Distance from Vegas: 17 miles (~30-minute drive)
⏰ Opening Hours: 6 AM – 7 PM (varies by season)
🎟️ Entry Fee: $20 per vehicle (Book Timed Entry)
🚴 Electric Bike Tour: From $119+ (Book Here)
📍 Google Maps: Red Rock Canyon
📍 Apple Maps: Red Rock Canyon
Pro Tips
✔️ Timed entry required – Book in advance (Oct–May).
✔️ Best time to visit? Morning or late afternoon for cooler weather.
✔️ Bring water & sunscreen – Desert heat is no joke!
5. Hoover Dam
Why Visit?
One of the greatest engineering marvels in the world, the Hoover Dam is just 30 minutes from Vegas and offers stunning views, history, and impressive architecture.
Top Things to Do
✅ Walk Across the Dam – Enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Mead & the Colorado River.
✅ Power Plant Tour – Explore the inner workings of the dam.
✅ Mike O’Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge – A perfect photo spot overlooking the dam.
Essential Details
📍 Distance from Vegas: 37 miles (~35-minute drive)
⏰ Opening Hours: 5 AM – 9 PM (Visitor Center: 9 AM – 5 PM)
🎟️ Entry Fee:
- Self-Guided Dam Tour: Free
- Power Plant Tour: $15 per adult (Book Here)
🚍 Guided Tour from Vegas: From $65+ (Check Tours)
📍 Google Maps: Hoover Dam
📍 Apple Maps: Hoover Dam
Pro Tips
✔️ Arrive early – Parking fills up fast.
✔️ Bring a hat & sunscreen – It gets hot here!
✔️ Short on time? Take a quick 3-hour tour from Vegas.
6. Valley of Fire
Why Visit?
Just 45 minutes from Vegas, Valley of Fire State Park is famous for its fiery red sandstone formations, petroglyphs, and scenic hiking trails. It’s a must-visit for photographers, hikers, and nature lovers.
Top Things to Do
✅ Fire Wave Trail – A stunning striped rock formation, best at sunset.
✅ Petroglyphs at Atlatl Rock – See 2,500-year-old rock carvings.
✅ Elephant Rock – A natural rock shaped like an elephant.
✅ Scenic Drive – White Domes Road offers breathtaking views.
Essential Details
📍 Distance from Vegas: 50 miles (~45-minute drive)
⏰ Opening Hours: Sunrise to Sunset (Visitor Center: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM)
🎟️ Entry Fee: $15 per vehicle (More Info)
🚍 Guided Tour from Vegas: From $99+ (Check Tours)
📍 Google Maps: Valley of Fire
📍 Apple Maps: Valley of Fire
Pro Tips
✔️ Visit early or late afternoon – Avoid extreme heat.
✔️ Bring extra water – There’s no water inside the park.
✔️ Perfect for a half-day trip – Combine with Hoover Dam or Lake Mead.
7. Mojave National Preserve
Why Visit?
A hidden gem less than 2 hours from Vegas, Mojave National Preserve offers towering sand dunes, volcanic craters, Joshua trees, and unique desert landscapes. Perfect for hiking, stargazing, and exploring natural wonders.
Top Things to Do
✅ Kelso Dunes – Climb the “singing” sand dunes that make a deep humming sound.
✅ Lava Tube Hike – Explore an underground lava tube with light beams shining through.
✅ Hole-in-the-Wall Rings Trail – A short but exciting slot canyon hike.
✅ Teutonia Peak Trail – Walk through one of the densest Joshua tree forests.
Essential Details
📍 Distance from Vegas: 90 miles (~1.5-hour drive)
⏰ Opening Hours: 24/7 (Visitor Center: 9 AM – 5 PM)
🎟️ Entry Fee: Free (More Info)
📍 Google Maps: Mojave National Preserve
📍 Apple Maps: Mojave National Preserve
Pro Tips
✔️ No cell service – Download maps in advance.
✔️ No gas stations inside the park – Fill up before you go!
✔️ Avoid summer – Extreme heat makes hiking dangerous.
8. Death Valley National Park
Why Visit?
Known as the hottest place on Earth, Death Valley is home to otherworldly landscapes, salt flats, sand dunes, and incredible stargazing. Just 2 hours from Vegas, it’s a must-visit for adventure seekers.
Top Things to Do
✅ Badwater Basin – Walk on the lowest point in North America (282 feet below sea level).
✅ Zabriskie Point – A breathtaking sunrise and sunset viewpoint.
✅ Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes – Massive sand dunes perfect for photography.
✅ Dante’s View – Epic panoramic view of the entire valley.
Essential Details
📍 Distance from Vegas: 130 miles (~2-hour drive)
⏰ Opening Hours: 24/7 (Visitor Center: 8 AM – 5 PM)
🎟️ Entry Fee: $30 per vehicle (More Info)
🚍 Guided Tour from Vegas: From $249+ (Check Tours)
📍 Google Maps: Death Valley National Park
📍 Apple Maps: Death Valley National Park
Pro Tips
✔️ Visit from November to March – Avoid extreme summer heat!
✔️ Bring extra water – The desert is dangerously dry.
✔️ Perfect for stargazing – Stay after sunset to see the Milky Way.
9. Goodsprings Ghost Town
Why Visit?
Step back in time at Goodsprings Ghost Town, an old mining town from the early 1900s, just 45 minutes from Las Vegas. It’s a great spot for history buffs, ghost hunters, and Wild West fans.
Top Things to Do
✅ Pioneer Saloon – One of the oldest saloons in Nevada, famous for its haunted history.
✅ Explore Abandoned Buildings – See old mines, a schoolhouse, and historic structures.
✅ Ghost Tours – Take a paranormal tour if you’re brave enough!
Essential Details
📍 Distance from Vegas: 40 miles (~45-minute drive)
⏰ Opening Hours: Always open (Pioneer Saloon: 9 AM – 9 PM)
🎟️ Entry Fee: Free to visit (Ghost tours from $35+ (Check Here))
📍 Google Maps: Goodsprings Ghost Town
📍 Apple Maps: Goodsprings Ghost Town
Pro Tips
✔️ Visit at sunset – The town looks extra spooky in the evening.
✔️ Stop by the Pioneer Saloon – Enjoy a drink & burger in a 100+ year-old bar.
✔️ Ghost hunter? Book a paranormal experience at the saloon!
10. Spring Mountain Ranch State Park
Why Visit?
Just 30 minutes from Las Vegas, Spring Mountain Ranch State Park offers a peaceful escape with lush greenery, historic buildings, and scenic hiking trails—a perfect break from the desert heat.
Top Things to Do
✅ Explore the Historic Ranch – Once owned by Howard Hughes, now a museum.
✅ Hiking & Picnicking – Enjoy easy scenic trails with shaded picnic spots.
✅ Watch Outdoor Theater Shows – Seasonal live performances in summer.
Essential Details
📍 Distance from Vegas: 22 miles (~30-minute drive)
⏰ Opening Hours: 8 AM – Sunset (Visitor Center: 8 AM – 4:30 PM)
🎟️ Entry Fee: $10 per vehicle (More Info)
📍 Google Maps: Spring Mountain Ranch
📍 Apple Maps: Spring Mountain Ranch
Pro Tips
✔️ Best time to visit? Spring & fall when the weather is mild.
✔️ Bring a picnic – Enjoy lunch with beautiful mountain views.
✔️ Combine with Red Rock Canyon – It’s right next door!
11. Area 51 & Extraterrestrial Highway
Why Visit?
For a mysterious, out-of-this-world experience, take a 2-hour drive from Vegas to the legendary Area 51—a top-secret military base surrounded by alien conspiracy theories and the famous Extraterrestrial Highway.
Top Things to Do
✅ Extraterrestrial Highway (Highway 375) – A scenic UFO-themed road trip.
✅ Little A’Le’Inn – Stop at this alien-themed diner & gift shop.
✅ Alien Research Center – A quirky shop with UFO books & souvenirs.
✅ Black Mailbox – A mysterious landmark linked to UFO sightings.
Essential Details
📍 Distance from Vegas: 150 miles (~2-hour drive)
⏰ Opening Hours: 24/7 (Shops & diners vary)
🎟️ Entry Fee: Free (except for food & souvenirs)
📍 Google Maps: Extraterrestrial Highway
📍 Apple Maps: Extraterrestrial Highway
🚍 Guided Tour from Vegas: From $199+ (Check Here)
Pro Tips
✔️ Do NOT trespass – Area 51 is a restricted military base.
✔️ Best time to visit? At night for stargazing & possible UFO sightings.
✔️ Fuel up – No gas stations for miles!
Final Thoughts on Day Trips from Las Vegas
Las Vegas isn’t just about the Strip and casinos—it’s a gateway to incredible adventures! Whether you want to see breathtaking national parks, eerie ghost towns, or mysterious alien hotspots, there’s a perfect day trip for every traveler.
🚗 Need a break from the city? Pick one of these amazing destinations and hit the road!
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